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Gary Fioto's 1955 Ford

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Photo by www.chopitkustom.com.[1]
Photo by www.chopitkustom.com.[1]
Photo by www.chopitkustom.com.[1]
Photo by www.chopitkustom.com.[1]
Photo by www.chopitkustom.com.[1]
Photo by www.chopitkustom.com.[1]
Photo by www.chopitkustom.com.[1]
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The Beatnik at the 2011 Long Beach Motorama. Photo by Jerry Hatto.
Photo by Jerry Hatto.
Photo by Jerry Hatto.
Gary with his sons Nicky and Fabian in front of the Beatnik. Photo courtesy of John Gilbert.
The Beatnik Bubbletop photographed in the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum. After Larry Klairmont’s passing in 2021, the car was offered for sale at Mecum’s Larry’s Legacy Auction, where it sold for $198,000 USD in September of 2025. Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.


1955 Ford Bubbletop Custom built by Beatniks member Gary "Chopit" Fioto of Chopit Kustom in Long Island, New York. Growing up, Gary was fascinated with Bubbletops, particularly those of Darryl Starbird, so after building the chopped 1950 Mercury, known as "Tuff Enuff" Gary decided to build an unique Bubbletop creation himself. The car was dubbed the "Beatnik" after Gary's car club the Beatniks.

March 12, 2011 the Beatnik was offered for sale at the RM Amelia Island Auction. The car was expected to bring in between $200,00 - $300,000 US prior to the auction.[2]


Sold at Larry's Legacy Auction

Following the passing of Larry Klairmont in 2021, it was announced that the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago would close and disperse its holdings. The Beatnik Bubbletop, which had been part of Klairmont’s vast collection, was consigned to Mecum’s Larry’s Legacy Auction, held September 20–21, 2025, on-site at the North Knox Avenue museum. Offered alongside more than 300 vehicles, the futuristic custom crossed the block as one of the collection’s highlights. The Beatnik Bubbletop sold for $198,000 USD, finding a new home more than a decade after its debut on the indoor show circuit and years on display at the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum.[3]


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 www.chopitkustom.com
  2. ↑ RM Auctions
  3. ↑ Mecum Auctions - Results For Saturday, September 20 at Larry’s Legacy 2025
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